希薄

• Reading: きはく
• Romaji: kihaku
• Kanji breakdown: 希 (ki) — rare, sparse, thin; 薄 (haku/usu) — thin, light, dilute, weak
• Pronunciation: /ki.ha.kɯ/

Meaning

Thin; dilute; sparse; weak; faint. Describes concentration, density, or intensity that is insufficiently strong — whether in a physical medium or an abstract quality.

A na-adjective used in both scientific/technical contexts (rarified gases, dilute solutions) and figurative contexts (weak human connections, diminished awareness). The figurative use is very common in modern journalism and social commentary, particularly when discussing weakened community bonds, faint motivation, or low levels of something intangible.

Examples

1. 高地では空気が希薄なため、登山には十分な準備が必要だ。 At high altitude the air is thin, so thorough preparation is essential for mountaineering.
2. 現代社会では近所とのつながりが希薄になっていると言われる。 It is said that connections with neighbours have grown increasingly sparse in modern society.
3. チームとしての一体感が希薄なままでは、良い結果は出せない。 Without a stronger sense of unity as a team, good results simply cannot follow.

Usage Guide

Context: science, social commentary, abstract

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 希 (sparse, rare, thin) and 薄 (thin, diluted, weak). Originally a scientific term for rarified gases; later extended metaphorically to any domain where presence or intensity is diminishingly weak.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal